On Thu, 29 Mar 2001 [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
> Hello again,
>
> I am going to share with you (uninvited) a typical essay section for exam 1
> in intro psychology. I am proud of these questions - I think they are
> enjoyable and challenging for the student to answer and drive home the
> important points I am trying to me. If you think that they are not good, I
> would appreciate the reality check and your feedback. If you like them, you
> may use them without giving me any credit. I will be happy to supply a
> scoring standard at your request, though I trust you can develop your own.
>
> Nancy Melucci
> ELAC
>
> Worth 40 points.
> Answer ONE (1) out of FIVE (6) options.
> Answer parts A and B, please.
>
> 1. A. Create three good questions about the structure or functions of the
> human nervous system.
> B. Answer one of your questions thoroughly.
>
> 2. A. Melucci says "You have to learn to see." What is she going on about?
> B. Define "sensory interaction" and give one example of this process in
> humans.
>
>
> 3. A. Describe one case of brain damage or disease process from which we have
> learned about the amazing brain.
> B. Identify and describe one of the new technologies that allow us to image
> the brain, and ask one question that you'd like to see answered by this
> question in the next decade.
>
> 4. A. Describe one research method that is used in the science of psychology,
> including its strengths and weaknesses.
> B. Identify one question that you'd like to see answered using this research
> method - briefly describe a study that might be done using this research
> method.
>
> 5. A. Describe the anatomy and functioning of one (1) of the seven senses.
> B.Define the term "Perceptual Set" (AKA "mental set") and explain why it is
> important to know about this aspect of human cognitive processing.
>
> 6. "You only use 10% of your brain!"
> " I am not very logical - I must be right brained and very creative too!"
> "Men listen with only one side of their brains, and women use both, so
> there's proof that women are better listeners than men are!"
>
> A.Imagine that your friend says one of these things to you. Now that you have
> learned about the brain, what would you say to your friend in response to the
> claim they are making?
> B. Tell me one true fact that you would share with your friend about the
> anatomy and function of the amazing human brain.
>
> (A couple of other favorites of mine:)
>
> 1. Your friend just read the results of a research study that concludes
> that babies wholisten to Mozart and Bach achieve higher grades in elementary
> and highschool. She is stoked about this and is rushing out to buy $100.00
> worth of classical music CDs to play for her newborn. What questions would
> youencourage your friend to ask before she makes such a large investment
> based onthese findings?
>
> 1. What questions would you want to ask a person who claims that he or
> she has ESP and other alleged “paranormal” powers? What type of evidence
> would you like to back up these claims?
>
>
A friend of mine who is about to take his oral comprehensives for
his PhD could not answer those questions.
Michael Sylvester,PhD
Daytona Beach,Florida
